By Unite Leadership Collective
The podcast currently has 303 episodes available.
What if the future of the church lies not in grand, imposing structures, but in the intimate connections made within small communities? Join us as we uncover the fascinating journey of Pastor Travis Hartjen, a dedicated church planter and youth minister. His story is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of staying within the church to enact change.
Explore the evolving world of youth ministry with Travis, as he shares insights on engaging today's skeptical teens with authenticity and sincerity. Discover how he navigates the complex landscape of mega churches and concert-like worship experiences by fostering meaningful, personal relationships within smaller church settings. We discuss the shift from traditional sermons to interactive, discussion-based approaches, creating spaces where young people can find their identity and purpose in Christ, and promoting genuine discipleship.
The conversation takes a deeper turn as we discuss the critical need for leadership development and community building within the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Pastor Travis shares his experiences and challenges in transitioning from youth ministry to a pastoral role, emphasizing the importance of shared leadership and unity among churches. Learn how new church plants can breathe life into existing congregations and how fostering authentic relationships can lead to a more collaborative and supportive church environment. Be inspired by stories of bold faith, as we explore the potential of emerging leaders to steer the church toward a sustainable and joy-filled future.
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What does it take to go from fighter pilot to leader in higher education? We explore this intriguing question with Dr. Thomas Cedel, a man whose journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. From almost joining the ranks of NASA astronauts to leading Concordia University Texas, Dr. Cedel shares his thoughts on the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the spiritual richness that guides him. We discuss the comforting yet challenging path of dependency on Christ, celebrating the profound strength found in community and shared theological values.
Reflecting on the lessons learned in the cockpit, Dr. Cedel draws compelling parallels between military and church leadership. Hear about the balance of humility and confidence that defined his days as a fighter pilot and trainer, and discover how those experiences shape his approach to nurturing future leaders. We delve into the structured training models of the military and consider their application within the church. Through stories and insights, Dr. Cedel highlights the importance of character and skill in leadership.
The journey continues with a deep dive into the challenges facing the Concordia University System and its ties to the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. Dr. Cedel discusses the complex dance of maintaining a strong Christian identity amidst financial strain and governance hurdles. With personal anecdotes and historical context, this episode unpacks the tension between autonomy and traditional values, urging the need for open dialogue and reform. From exploring the role of trust in leadership to addressing systemic issues within the LCMS, we navigate the intricate landscape of Lutheran education with honesty and hope.
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What if leadership wasn't about having all the answers, but about asking the right questions? Join us as we explore this paradigm shift with Dr. Vanessa Seifert, a respected leader in the Nebraska District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. With her deep expertise spanning theology, leadership, and ministry, Dr. Seifert brings a fresh perspective to the table as we uncover the essence of adaptive leadership. She shares compelling insights on how mobilizing people to tackle challenges can be more effective than traditional leader-centric approaches, with lessons that resonate across diverse settings.
In an engaging conversation, we tackle the intricacies of hierarchy, decision-making, and the delicate balance between authority and community collaboration. Through poignant examples, such as the complexities of caring for aging parents, we illustrate the distinction between technical problems and adaptive challenges. Dr. Seifert delves into the transformative power of humility, as modeled by Christ, as a foundation for leadership that transcends cultural norms and embraces collective wisdom. Our discussion is enriched by concepts like creating margin and reflecting on leadership actions, inviting leaders to transition seamlessly between active engagement and strategic observation.
Adaptive leadership demands a nuanced understanding of change, and we explore how to navigate both continuous and discontinuous shifts. Dr. Seifert illuminates key leadership behaviors necessary to manage distress and foster growth within organizations, drawing from influential texts like "Leadership on the Line." We delve into the emotional nature of leadership and the importance of self-awareness, forgiveness, and making space for God's work. Whether you're leading a congregation or a corporation, this conversation equips you with practical tools and profound insights to lead with empathy and resilience in an ever-evolving landscape.
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Discover the transformative power of Lutheran theology and mission work as we welcome the esteemed Dr. Detlev Schulz to our podcast. As a leading professor and missiologist at Concordia Theological Seminary, Dr. Schulz unpacks the profound insights from his influential book, "Mission from the Cross." Explore the concept of Missio Dei, where God is the initiator of mission, and the church's sacred duty to align with His divine purpose of salvation. Uncover how pastors, as spiritual caregivers and evangelism equippers, can expand their influence beyond their congregations and into the wider mission field.
Join us in a thoughtful examination of the balanced mission of the church, where the Lutheran approach to missiology stands apart by emphasizing God's delivery system through the Word and Sacraments. The discussion takes a deep dive into the importance of the priesthood of all believers and the significance of ordination in preserving the Gospel's purity. With insightful reflections, Dr. Schulz addresses the unique challenges and opportunities faced by pastors, particularly within the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, in a world often marked by narratives of decline. The parable of the fourfold seed serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of sowing the Word of God despite uncertain outcomes.
As we wrap up, we navigate the perceived tension between missional and confessional aspects within Christian circles. Dr. Schulz offers a compelling vision for bridging this divide. Hear how confession and mission work hand in hand to maintain the integrity of faith, enabling believers to articulate and defend their beliefs effectively. With Dr. Schulz's guidance, we explore strategies to expand the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod's mission vision, encouraging a positive attitude and strategic planning for a broader gospel impact. Engage with these groundbreaking ideas and be inspired to explore mission theology further with "Mission from the Cross.
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What if Martin Luther's 95 Theses still hold the key to understanding our modern world? Reverend Dr. Joel Okamoto joins us to uncover the timeless significance of Luther's challenge to the Roman Catholic Church, initially meant to ignite scholarly debate yet resulting in a revolutionary shift. We engage with the importance of open dialogue within church bodies and the role of academic thought leaders in fostering meaningful conversations that can lead to transformative change.
Explore how Nietzsche's provocative claim that "God is Dead" parallels Luther's first thesis, reflecting a societal shift toward secularism and disorientation. We confront the unsettling concepts of divine sovereignty, election, and justification by grace alone, encouraging both believers and non-believers to reexamine their assumptions about faith, sin, and trust in God's word. Our conversation also dives into the complex relationship between Christianity and secularism, drawing insights from Nietzsche and Charles Taylor to navigate the post-Christendom world with courage and confidence.
Finally, we tackle the relevance of Lutheran theology in today's spiritual landscape, emphasizing the paradigm shift from a theology of glory to a theology of the cross. Reverend Dr. Okamoto shares insights on how engaging with diverse spiritual narratives can bridge gaps and enrich our understanding of faith. Through examining the transformative power of baptism and justification, we strive to foster unity and mutual respect within the Lutheran community, highlighting our shared identity as children of God. Join us in this compelling exploration of Luther's legacy and its profound impact on living out faith today.
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What if the centralized control within the church is holding back its mission?
To Register for the Unfettered Word Conference CLICK HERE
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Reverend Dr. Ben Haupt and Reverend Dr. Scott Seidler as we dissect the Mission Partners Platform—a groundbreaking initiative aiming to build a stronger, more interconnected network within the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). Reverend Dr. Ben Haupt shares his profound experiences from his new role at PLI and the awe-inspiring mission work unfolding in Mexico. Meanwhile, Reverend Dr. Scott Seidler brings an urgent call for accountability, stressing the need for congregations to set tangible goals for growth and outreach against the backdrop of current challenges facing the LCMS.
We'll also scrutinize the limitations of the current centralized system for placing theological teachers and workers within the Synod, advocating for a revolutionary shift towards a more decentralized model. This bold move could empower local entities and district presidents, restoring both trust and efficiency. Additionally, discover how contemporary tools like podcasts are reshaping the church's engagement with culture, and get a sneak peek into the upcoming Unfettered Word Conference in Ann Arbor. This conference is set to stimulate meaningful dialogue and action, urging local pastors and congregations to take ownership of their ministry missions, creating a 'Coalition of the Willing' committed to active and immediate mission work. Don't miss this riveting discussion on mobilizing for the Great Commission.
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Paul Schult, a pastor from Redwood City, California, joins us for a captivating discussion on transforming faith and leadership within the church. Explore the journey of his congregation's rebranding to Bridge City Church and delve into the relational depth of Christianity explored in his book, "Getting to Know Jesus." Learn how Paul uses relationship-driven perspectives on theological concepts, such as the Ten Commandments and the Apostles' Creed, to make faith more personal and impactful, reflecting on the importance of Martin Luther's small catechism in teaching faith relationally.
Get his book here:
Leadership and discipleship are at the heart of this episode as we discuss Jesus' model of nurturing small group relationships to encourage spiritual growth. Discover the essence of Christ-like leadership, where fostering humility, equipping individuals for ministry, and overcoming challenges like institutional busyness are paramount. Paul shares insights into the importance of life-on-life discipleship that goes beyond traditional preaching, advocating for gifted teachers to enrich church communities and inspire a multiplying effect.
Finally, we navigate the dynamic landscape of ministry in the secular Bay Area, highlighting the innovative strategies needed to engage diverse communities. From embracing contextual hospitality to adopting a missionary mindset, we cover emerging trends and the importance of adaptive leadership. Hear about Corey Garrity's visionary replanting of Bridge City Church and the innovative young adult ministry, Collective, as inspiring models for engaging the unchurched. This episode is a call to empower congregants and build well-rounded teams that prioritize God's mission amidst the challenges of modern ministry.
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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann as we tackle some of the most challenging ethical dilemmas facing church leaders today. As our political landscape heats up, Dr. Biermann provides profound insights into how issues of sexuality, race, and immigration intertwine with rapid societal changes. Discover how Christians can maintain their allegiance to Christ above all else, even when the world around them seems politically charged and divisive.
Step into the world of Christian ethics with us as we unpack Bonhoeffer's four mandates: family, labor, government, and church. We're diving into the tough questions about political alignment and the crucial role of voting in a democratic society. As we navigate the complex landscape of modern values, we reflect on the biblical intentions for marriage and family, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling God's great commission of stewardship through the nuclear family.
Imagine a future where creation is restored, transcending physical limitations and embracing right relationships. Inspired by Martin Luther's imaginative insights, we discuss the significance of our material existence and the potential of our resurrected bodies in the new creation. By reimagining work as a fulfilling aspect of our purpose and balancing grace with works, we explore the practical ethics of faith in action, all while honoring God's design for our redeemed humanity.
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What if you were called to action by a viral video and found yourself on a mission halfway across the world? Meet Mike Warneke, the passionate founder of Fields of Dreams Uganda, whose journey began with a deep-rooted faith and a life-altering visit to Uganda. Inspired by the resilience of the Ugandan people and a calling from his faith, Mike's mission evolved into a lifelong commitment to bringing hope and change to marginalized communities. Join us as we explore the story of how one individual's dedication and spirituality inspired a movement, offering both immediate and eternal hope to those in need.
Our conversation with Mike dives into the complexities of development work in Uganda, a country with a young and vibrant population. We discuss the importance of empowering local leaders and developing community-driven solutions that are sustainable and impactful. Mike shares personal stories, including efforts to improve hygiene for young girls, which highlight the thoughtful and nuanced approach required in effective aid work. Grounded in wisdom from influential books like "When Helping Hurts" and "Toxic Charity," our dialogue challenges the notion of outsourcing compassion and stresses the importance of direct engagement and listening.
In this episode, we also tackle the intricate relationship between wealth, faith, and discipleship. Mike opens up about the challenges of ministering in affluent contexts, discussing how excess can sometimes obscure spiritual growth. Together, we reflect on how living simply can lead to a more authentic connection with God and consider the structural challenges within church institutions that can affect leadership and faith journeys. As we explore the joy and purpose found in committing to a meaningful life driven by hope, Mike's experiences in Uganda offer powerful insights into using one's gifts for the collective good and living a life aligned with purpose and passion.
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Reverend Dr. Harold Ristau joins us to share his remarkable journey from being a military chaplain in Canada and academic dean in Africa to leading Luther Classical College in Wyoming. In this episode, listeners will gain insight into Dr. Ristau's vision for a Christ-centered educational environment that marries practical trades with rigorous theological and philosophical studies. Discover how the college's commitment to a 100% Lutheran faculty and its partnership with Concordia Nebraska sets it apart in the landscape of Christian education.
We dive into the ethical complexities surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, from vaccine ethics to media misinformation. Dr. Ristau reflects on the differing responses between Canada and the United States, highlighting cultural influences and the role of skepticism in media narratives. As we explore the ethical dilemmas faced by religious communities, our conversation underscores the importance of informed decision-making and standing firm on moral issues, especially for church leaders guiding their congregations through these turbulent times.
The discussion doesn't shy away from the controversial topic of Christian nationalism, as Dr. Ristau candidly shares his experiences and challenges the misconceptions surrounding political engagement from a faith-based perspective. Through examining historical precedents and the importance of speaking truth to power, we reflect on the moral responsibilities of religious leaders to advocate for justice. This episode invites listeners to ponder the interconnectedness of faith, ethics, and education and the vital role of Christian institutions in shaping a just and spiritually grounded society.
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Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)
https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter
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The podcast currently has 303 episodes available.